Best In Show: Kia Optima

2012 has been a very good year already for the North Korean automaker Kia. Kia cars have been garnering awards and accolades for their newest models left and right. The latest of these honors is the Kia Optima's title of "2012 Car of the Year" by Canada's Motoring TV, a weekly national half hour magazine style television program. The Optima also scored Motoring TV's "Best New Family Car" and the Kia Rio won "Best Small Car Under $21,000" category. Kia's win marks the first time in the 22-year history of giving out these distinctions that Motoring TV has awarded the same company "Car of the Year" back-to-back. The Kia Sportage earned the designation last year.

"The Kia Optima can be all things to all potential customers," said Brad Diamond of Motoring TV. "You have the regular sedan, the go faster model with its 274 turbo charged horsepower, and hybrid for those looking to do their bit for the planet."

"The 2012 Optima is a world-class vehicle encompassing a dynamic modern design, a driver-oriented award-winning interior, technology and top safety elements that have all contributed to make it a "Car of the Year" winner," said William Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Canada Inc. "Having some of the top automotive journalists in Canada from Motoring TV validate the Optima and Rio further supports our flourishing brand value."

A big reason for the win was the Optima's new five-star safety rating under the recently revamped crash safety testing system conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA). Only 12 other car models have earned the NHSTA five-star rating. The new system includes tougher crash tests, and, for the first time, provides consumers with a single overall safety score per vehicle. Standard safety features on the Optima include:

• Six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain)
• Anti-whiplash front active headrests
• Side-impact door beams
• Height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners
• Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
• Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Vehicle Stability Management system (VSM),
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Hill Assist Control (HAC)

Available in several trim variations - LX, EX, SX and Hybrid - the Optima is sure to offer a vehicle that suits your needs. Each variation maintains impressive mileage; the 2012 Kia Optima delivers EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, among the highest in the class and on par with some smaller cars. For maximum economy, the Optima Hybrid delivers 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The Optima combines the amazing fuel economy with an elegant design, everyday comfort, and an exciting array of technological features like Bluetooth wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and auxiliary input jacks, and Sirius XM satellite radio capabilities.